This film “One Small Step” describes President Richard Nixon’s historic visit to China in 1972. It highlights key moments such as his arrival, the greeting by Premier Zhou Enlai, and various diplomatic activities. The visit marked a significant step in improving Sino-American relations after years of hostility. Key events include: (1) Nixon’s arrival and greeting by Chinese officials, (2) diplomatic talks and meetings, including a surprise meeting with Mao Zedong (3) Cultural experiences, such as attending a state banquet, visiting the Great Wall, and watching a performance at the Beijing Opera (4) Mrs. Nixon’s visits to local schools and the Beijing Zoo (5) the issuance of a joint communiqué in Shanghai, acknowledging differences but committing to work towards better relations.

Overall, the visit is portrayed as a landmark journey aimed at fostering mutual understanding and friendship between the United States and China.

1:10 – 1:14: Introduction to the People’s Republic of China.

1:17 – 1:20: Mention of the historical significance of the event, recorded by Sight and Sound.

1:24 – 1:30: President Nixon’s plane, “Spirit of 76,” lands at Ping airport.

1:34 – 1:39: Premier Zhou Enlai greets President Nixon, marking the first time an American President sets foot on Chinese soil.

2:00 – 2:06: A handshake symbolizes the bridging of 16,000 miles and 22 years of hostility.

2:08 – 2:15: No formal ceremonies, just a receiving line of Communist Party officials and a military band playing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

3:02 – 3:09: Brief ceremonies end, and Nixon and Zhou drive through an avenue of poplar trees.

3:18 – 3:23: Description of Beijing’s living conditions, including low wages and costs.

3:50 – 3:59: Nixon’s surprise meeting with Mao Zedong.

4:07 – 4:12: Dr. Henry Kissinger participates in the talks, which are described as animated and constructive.

4:16 – 4:23: Zhou Enlai speaks about opening the gate to friendly contact.

4:31 – 4:35: A state banquet is held in the Great Hall of the People, with 800 diplomats and dignitaries.

4:52 – 5:04: Nixon quotes Mao Zedong in his toast.

5:24 – 5:30: Beijing newspapers give front-page coverage to Nixon’s visit.

5:39 – 5:47: Nixon attends a performance at the Beijing Opera.

6:10 – 6:13: Nixon sits next to Jiang Qing, Mao’s wife.

6:27 – 6:37: Nixon and Zhou meet four times for over eight hours of talks.

6:45 – 6:54: Mrs. Nixon visits an elementary school in a Beijing commune.

7:03 – 7:09: Mrs. Nixon hears a student recite multiplication tables.

7:31 – 7:36: Mrs. Nixon visits the kitchen of the Beijing Hotel.

7:48 – 7:50: Mrs. Nixon visits the Beijing Zoo to see the giant pandas.

8:24 – 8:29: The Nixons attend a gymnastics and table tennis event.

9:23 – 9:27: Nixon visits the Great Wall of China.

10:00 – 10:02: Nixon comments on the significance of the Great Wall.

10:24 – 10:30: Nixon’s car travels to the Forbidden City.

11:06 – 11:09: Nixon visits the Forbidden City, where China’s emperors once lived.

12:01 – 12:04: Nixon jokes about ear stoppers used by emperors to avoid criticism.

12:25 – 12:28: The Beijing part of the visit ends, and Nixon travels to Hangzhou.

12:36 – 12:49: Nixon and Zhou walk through the parks of West Lake in Hangzhou.

13:00 – 13:12: Nixon toasts to the beauties of Hangzhou.

13:50 – 13:58: Nixon visits Shanghai, where a joint communiqué is issued.

14:13 – 14:17: Nixon admits his mechanical shortcomings at the Shanghai Exposition Hall.

15:02 – 15:04: The visit ends with a desire to enhance mutual understanding and friendship.

16:08 – 16:15: A banquet marks the end of the visit, described as the week that changed the world.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com